For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever. Philemon 1:15 KJV
Can you remember all the events and people that worked in your life to bring you to the point where you received Jesus Christ as Savior? Did those things just happen? No! God was providentially working in them to change your life. When you contemplate the events that took place in the life of Onesimus, it seems obvious that God was at work in his life. He ran away thinking if he went far enough no one would find him, but he discovered that when God is at work there is no place to hide. With all the miles he came into contact with the Apostle Paul. Paul was a prisoner, but even in chains, he still preached freedom in Christ. Trying to run away, as Onesimus talked with Paul, he was found forever.
Lord, when I think back in my own life I am still amazed at all the people and things You used to bring me to yourself that I might be saved. I too was a run away, but You found me and changed my life forever.
